I’VE QUIT BOOZING TO WIN STRICTLY
GEMMA Atkinson has given up alcohol to boost her chances of winning Strictly.
The actress – Carly Hope in Emmerdale – is determined to be a hit on the dance floor.
She won’t be performing on the BBC show for more than a month but is already making big changes.
Gemma, 32, told the Daily Star Sunday: “I won’t be drinking in the evenings now I’m doing Strictly. It’ll be very rare for me to have a vodka now.
“I’m trying to adopt a healthier life.”
Strictly’s sexy outfits mean Gemma will be flashing plenty of flesh.
She has toned up with a 12-week fitness and diet regime and is in the best shape of her life.
Gemma said: “I love feeling strong and athletic, and that’s how training with weights makes me feel.
“The mental and physical challenges have been unbelievable. I’ve met some great people in the gym. I’ve got the bug back again – the spark I lost with my training was the reason I’d started the regime. I feel absolutely amazing.”
Gemma is so fit she’s even considering a move into cage fighting when she calls time on her acting career. She can’t fight professionally while starring on Emmerdale but says she loves the tough training.
Gemma’s is likely to be one of the show’s sexiest contestants ever thanks to her amazing figure.
But she will face competition in the glamour stakes from pop babe Mollie King.
Others taking part including JLS hunk Aston Merrygold, This Morning host Ruth Langsford and EastEnder Davood Ghadami. Gemma is one of the tips to win with odds of 7/1 at Betfair. Aston Merrygold is the 3/1 favourite.
Over the years Gemma has built up a loyal fan base in shows such as Hollyoaks and Casualty.
Strictly will be back on screens next month when the celebs will find out which professional dancer they will be partnered with.
They will then have just a few weeks of rehearsals before they dance on live TV in front of millions.
This series the contestants will face new judge Shirley Ballas who is making her debut on the panel.
She replaces Len Goodman as head judge.